Security Message from the JFKS Administration / the US Embassy

The JFKS Administration would like to reassure the community that evacuation and lock down procedures are fully in place for the staff and students of the school. It is not in our own interest to publicize all of the details of our security procedures. While the most current warning from the Department of State appears sharper than in the past, we would plead with members of the community to refrain from hysteria and making the situation more tense than is necessary. The administration remains in regular contact with the German Police and the US Embassy. It is the responsibility, however, of the entire community to ensure that the gates remain closed when entering or leaving the campus. We thank you for your trust and understanding.

U.S. Embassy Berlin

Security Message for U.S. Citizens:  Worldwide Travel Alert

November 24, 2015

1. The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats.  Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.  This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.

2. Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq.  Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.  Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services.  In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali.  ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt.

3. U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.  Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places.  Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events.  U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.  Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country.  U.S. citizens should:

• Follow the instructions of local authorities.  Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
• Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
• Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
• Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

4. Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots.  We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism.  Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.

5. For further information:

• See the State Department’s travel websitefor the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• Follow us onTwitter and Facebook.

• The American Citizen Services Unit for the U.S. Embassy Berlin is located at Clayallee 170, 14195 Berlin, and is open by appointment only Mondaythrough Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The telephone number for routine calls is answered 2-4 p.m. Monday–Friday +49-69-7535-0; email:.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the after-hours emergency number for the U.S. Embassy Berlin is +49-30-8305-0.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurtis located at Giessener Strasse 30, 60435 Frankfurt am Main. The telephone number is +49-69-7535-0 (routine calls, 2-4 p.m. Monday–Friday); e-mail: .  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of normal business hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt is +49-69-7535-0.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Munich is located at  Koeniginstrasse 5 and is open Monday through Friday from  8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  The telephone number is +49-89-2888-580 during office hours; e-mail:  .   If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance after-hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate General in Munich is +49-89-2888-0.